GWU announces football staff changes

By Special to The Star

Published: Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at 03:51 PM.

BOILING SPRINGS — Gardner-Webb announced several staff moves and adjustments Tuesday in advance of preseason camp.

Offensive coordinator Dale Steele stepped down to be closer to family late last week. Assistant coach Brett Hickman will move to the offensive side of the ball to coach running backs and will continue as special teams coordinator. Brett Nichols will assume the role of passing game coordinator and will continue to coach the team's quarterbacks. Kenny Ray will add the role of running game coordinator to his responsibilities.

“We support coach Steele’s decision to move closer to his family and have adjusted our current coaching staff accordingly,” said Gardner-Webb head coach Carroll McCray. “Our guys have been meeting as a staff in their new roles and that adjustment has gone well. We feel great about our staff and are excited to get things rolling on Aug. 5.”

On defense, Randall McCray will continue to serve as defensive coordinator, but will take over positional duties with the team's outside linebackers — the position Hickman coached in the spring.

Rocco Adrian will take over the secondary after working solely with cornerbacks during spring practice. Travis Cunningham (inside linebackers) and Issac Mooring (defensive line) will remain with their position groups.

Gardner-Webb reports for fall camp on Aug. 5, with the first practice scheduled for Aug. 6. The Runnin’ Bulldogs open the 2013 season at home on Aug. 31 against Furman.

Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. and the game will be televised regionally on WMYA (My40), which serves Asheville, Spartanburg and Greenville, S.C.

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BOILING SPRINGS — Gardner-Webb announced several staff moves and adjustments Tuesday in advance of preseason camp.

Offensive coordinator Dale Steele stepped down to be closer to family late last week. Assistant coach Brett Hickman will move to the offensive side of the ball to coach running backs and will continue as special teams coordinator. Brett Nichols will assume the role of passing game coordinator and will continue to coach the team's quarterbacks. Kenny Ray will add the role of running game coordinator to his responsibilities.

“We support coach Steele’s decision to move closer to his family and have adjusted our current coaching staff accordingly,” said Gardner-Webb head coach Carroll McCray. “Our guys have been meeting as a staff in their new roles and that adjustment has gone well. We feel great about our staff and are excited to get things rolling on Aug. 5.”

On defense, Randall McCray will continue to serve as defensive coordinator, but will take over positional duties with the team's outside linebackers — the position Hickman coached in the spring.

Rocco Adrian will take over the secondary after working solely with cornerbacks during spring practice. Travis Cunningham (inside linebackers) and Issac Mooring (defensive line) will remain with their position groups.

Gardner-Webb reports for fall camp on Aug. 5, with the first practice scheduled for Aug. 6. The Runnin’ Bulldogs open the 2013 season at home on Aug. 31 against Furman.

Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. and the game will be televised regionally on WMYA (My40), which serves Asheville, Spartanburg and Greenville, S.C.